Doppler images from dual-site observations of southern rapidly rotating stars - II. Starspot patterns and differential rotation on Speedy Mic We have secured high spatial and temporal resolution spectra of therapidly rotating K dwarf Speedy Mic (HD 197890) at two sites and acommon epoch of observations. The 0.38-d axial rotation period and theV-band magnitude of 9.33 make it a difficult target for Doppler imaging.In order to obtain high signal-to-noise ratio profiles from 300-sexposures, we apply the technique of least-squares deconvolution to thelarge number of photospheric absorption lines available in each of ourspectra. This allows us to derive high-resolutionmaximum-entropy-regularized Doppler images of the stellar surface. Usingthese techniques, we also derive radial velocities and accurateprojected equatorial rotation velocities which are consistent to within~1kms-1. Our surface maps reveal one of the most heavilyspotted photospheres seen on a rapid rotator, with starspots occurringat all latitudes. At the time of observations, Speedy Mic had no strongpolar spot, but it shows spots concentrated in low- andintermediate-latitude bands. We attempt a differential rotationmeasurement, but lack of sufficient phase coverage allows determinationof only a lower limit of 59d for the time it takes the equatorialregions to lap the polar regions. We also find variations in the heavilyfilled-in Hα line which can be attributed to prominences passingin front of the stellar disc. Despite the rapid rotation, the appearanceof the same features on consecutive nights of observations shows theclouds to be stable on time-scales of at least a day.
